The McShin Foundation Staff

Joyce Bronson is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, she came to McShin back in 2019 for sober living. After finding recovery in her own life, Joyce eventually became a part of The McShin Foundation family, where she now spreads her passion for recovery by connecting people with SUD to the services that they need. As a part of her position, Joyce also travels the state and builds relationships with people and addiction service providers, to help strengthen the recovery movement and expand access to recovery resources. Joyce came from a military family and lived in many different places growing up until landing in Hopewell, Virginia. Joyce went on to secure a job at Verizon where she cultivated a successful career in sales while raising a family. She is currently pursuing her BA in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions. Joyce is a proud mother, and self-named "best friend" to her son's daughter. Joyce has a strong faith in God, anchoring her through every aspect of life that provides her with a deep sense of peace and purpose. When she is not at work you can find Joyce at an amusement park with her family, travelling, and hiking.

Melanie Belden was born in Prince George's County, Maryland and moved to Hanover, Virginia in 2000. She has battled on and off with the disease of addiction since her late teens. She found recovery when she entered The McShin Foundation as a participant on December 10th, 2016.

From Hanover County, Virginia, Cricket was first exposed to recovery at the age of 15 when a judge ordered him to attend 12-step meetings because of his addiction. For nearly two decades, he continued to use substances uncontrollably until The McShin Foundation began a substance abuse program in Pamunkey Regional Jail, where he was incarcerated at the time. Since his graduation and release in August of 2015, he has not been arrested, has been a member of a multi jurisdiction re-entry council, has had his civil rights restored, and has traveled the country carrying his message of hope wherever he goes.

Grant Thompson is a person in sustained recovery from substance use disorder.

Christina is a grateful person in recovery. She came through the intensive program of McShin in June of 2021. Since completion of the program she became an AmeriCorps representative and after completing the service term she became the Women's Program Manager. Christina enjoys giving back to her community and being a part of. She states "I never thought that I would ever be able to live free of my addiction but thanks to the McShin foundation and my fellow peers it has become possible."

Raymond is a New York native and Richmond transplant.  A graduate of Randolph-Macon College, he earned his BA in Communication. Raymond is a fierce advocate of multiple pathways to recovery with an emphasis on meditation, mindfulness, and Eastern philosophy. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, karaoke, and quality time with his husband. Raymond is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Recovery Coach, DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist Trainer, and NAADAC-approved educator.  Additionally, Raymond is a member of the Richmond Opioid Task Force, EMPOWER Henrico (formerly the Henrico Addiction Task Force), National Communication Association, and Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity.

Dannishia Walker